N.J. rain storm causes flooding problems across the state

Jerry McCrea/The Star-LedgerDina Harper of Pequannock can only wait and watch as the Pompton River rises to reach flood stage in her backyard along Pequannock Avenue.A storm packing high winds and heavy rainfall is causing flooding across the state, closing some roads.

NEWARK — the intersection of Wilson Avenue and Magazine Street extending several blocks along Magazine Street to Paris Street and Rome Streets are flooded and impassable, police said. Police also warned that the areas of Meeker/Elizabeth Avenues, Frelinghuysen Avenue/Empire Street, and Wilson Avenue/Avenue L have also experienced extreme flooding conditions and should be avoided.

PEQUANNOCK — Evacuations are no longer anticipated in Pequannock Township, with the Pompton River now expected to crest under the 16-feet flood level, a local emergency management official said this morning.

Bobbi Jo Murphy said the river reached 13.7 feet at Jackson Avenue around 8 a.m. today, and the latest data from the National Weather Service does not project a significant surge in water.

Rahway workers prepared for rising waters on Monday by putting up a wall across East Hazelwood Avenue to prevent possible flooding. The temporary wall extends an existing retaining wall to prevent flooding from the Rahway River.

Flood waters aren’t uncommon where the Rahway River meets East Hazelwood Avenue. Danny Chong, another public works employee, said water from the last major storm this spring rose near the top of the wall.